North Canterbury is truffle country and Kings Truffles reigns supreme. With a truffiere positioned in the heart of Canterbury’s limestone country, Kings is certified organic through Biogro and is one of the largest truffle-growing operations in New Zealand.
Kings Truffles has been powered by passion and dedication in growing and supplying organic truffle of the utmost quality. With 6000 trees located in Waipara, plans are in the works for more to be planted within the next few years.
Truffles’ flavour, rarity and their extraordinary value have long intrigued people from around the world. Until recently, truffles harvested for commercial use were confined to the ancient oak forests of Europe, but thankfully for us, the prized truffle is now being produced right here in North Canterbury.
New Zealand leaders in supplying fresh truffles direct from the source, Kings Truffles was founded by Bill Lee in 2003. Bill was joined by his daughter in 2006 and Jax Lee now leads the team, constantly seeking to innovate and explore the possibilities of supplying stunning fresh Black Truffle to the New Zealand market.
Commonly referred to as Périgord Truffle, they have a strong, luscious aroma and flavour. Like the amazing wine grown in the North Canterbury area, their truffle also shows provenance and varies throughout the season. Some flavours that are commonly used to describe their truffle are earthy, sweet forest floor, beetroot, raspberries and of course umami-packed!
During truffle season (June to August) guests are invited to join in a range of bespoke Truffle Hunt experiences – a very popular pastime with foodies.
Love a good truffle? Want to know more? Come along and wander the trees, watch the dogs sniff out the goods before enjoying simple but delicious truffle-based fare prepared onsite at Kings Truffles. Or if you don’t want to leave the comforts of your house visit their website and have fresh truffle and products delivered straight to your door.
Q&A with Jax Lee from Kings Truffles
Why North Canterbury? The right climate for good things – long, hot, dry summers for growing truffles, with cold winters and frosts that are perfect for ripening the truffle and intensifying the aroma. This also lends itself to an awesome place for a young family and so many great outdoor adventures on our doorstep.
What’s your favourite thing to do in North Canterbury? A picnic at Lake Taylor on a good day is pretty hard to beat.
Name your top three North Canterbury brands (other than your own!). Beer = Brew Moon. Foodie treat = Make it Raw. Wine = So many I can’t choose!
Featured Products
Kings Truffles – Fresh, Organic Black Truffle
